Question Corner

Q: Could you tell me if having baptisms during Mass is a practice that is required by papal edict? Years ago, all baptisms were on a Sunday afternoon. Having a baptism--or sometimes several baptisms--during Mass can result in a parking problem for the following Mass. (Williamsburg, Va.)

A: There is no ”papal edict” or directive of the church requiring that baptisms be done during Mass. The introduction to the church’s official ritual book (in concert with Canon No. 856 in the Code of Canon Law) recommends that baptisms be done either at the Easter Vigil or on a Sunday since it is at those times in particular that the church remembers Christ’s resurrection, the central belief of our faith.

As to the context of the baptism ceremony, that is, whether it should be within a Mass or outside of Mass, there is no fixed rule. That same introduction to the ritual states simply that ”on Sunday, baptism may be celebrated even during Mass, so that the entire community may be present.”

Significantly, though, the text goes on to say that baptism within a Sunday Mass ”should not be done too often.” In offering that caution, I’m not sure that the authors of the ritual were thinking of the ”parking problem” that you mention; perhaps, instead, they felt that the entire congregation is most impacted when they witness a baptism occasionally rather than every Sunday.

In our own parish, we offer families the option; if they specifically request to have their child baptized during a regular Sunday Mass--and this generally happens no more than once or twice a year--we do that. Otherwise, our baptisms, 80 or 90 annually, are celebrated early on Sunday afternoons when the parish’s Masses are over.

There is great wisdom, I think, in having a baptism from time to time in front of the whole Sunday congregation. First of all, baptism signifies the child’s entrance into an entire parish community of believers who will help that child to grow in holiness. Second, witnessing a baptism reminds the congregation of the mission that each member undertakes at his or her baptism and of God’s pledge to accompany them along the way.

Q: When I was in grammar school, I vaguely remember a rule that excused parishioners from Sunday Mass after the age of 65. I mentioned this to a daily communicant last week and was looked at as though I were crazy. I am now 80. Is there such a rule? (Norfolk Beach, Va.)

A: There is no such rule. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 2042) states as the first precept of the church, without any reference to age, the obligation of the Catholic faithful to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

It’s important to clarify, though, that the obligation to be present at Mass does not apply to those for whom--because of age, infirmity or disability--attendance at Mass would be a grave burden. I am regularly amazed, inspired, really, by people who are elderly or unwell and who risk life and limb by coming to Mass even on winter’s worst days, and I am continually telling them that they don’t have to.

Many people, though, are uncomfortable excusing themselves, so they probably would do best to speak to a priest who could put them at peace. When excused by such circumstances, they can, at home, unite themselves to the Mass by reading the prayers and scriptural passages for the day, watching Mass on television, and, in many parishes, by having Communion brought to them by parish volunteers.

(Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, NY 12208.)